Manna Dey, the "Classical Pop Singer" of Indian Cinema, who could have been a great classical singer in his own right, was born in Kolkata, Bengal. He received his initial training under his legendary uncle Krishna Dey. Later he migrated to Mumbai to gain foothold in Hindi cinema. Mention of this great singer immediately brings into mind such unforgettable classical-based melodies as Bhai bhanjana, Sur na saje, Pucho na keise maine, Chham Chham baje re payaliya. In fact, whenever composers used to have a great classical composition in their minds, they would invariably take Manna Dey. Interestingly, in spite of his solid classical background, he was equally at ease in all types of songs, be it Romantic - Yeh raat bheegi bheegi, Jaha bhi jaati hoon wohi chali aati ho, Dil ki girah khol do, Saanjh dhali; peppy - Aao twist karen; folksy - Chalata musafir moh liya re, door hain kinara; sad - Kasme Wade pyar wafa sab, Tum bin jeevan keisa jeevan; funny - Khali dabba khali botol, mere bhais ko danda; quali - Ai mere johra jevin, Yaari hain imaan mera; spiritual- Laaga chuneri mein daag; or philosophical - Zindegi keisi hain paheli, Tum besahara ho to; ghazal - Neino se yon baat kare. One unique contribution is his famous rendition in music of the equally famous Madhushala written by Dr. Haribans Rai Bachchan the father of equally illustrious Amitabh Bachchan. He is a composer in his own right, composing mostly in Bengali innumerable hit songs. It is a great fortune for us that he at past eighty, is the only singer of his generation and genre living around and still can perform to mesmerize the audience. It is most unfortunate that inspite of his genius and contribution to music, especially the Indian film industry, he is yet to have the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke awrad or Bharat Ratna bestowed upon him. Readers may contribute their view in this regard and build up voice to urge upon the Indian Government in this regard.

He was the first playback singer to visit Guyana.  It was a huge event in the early 60s and my dad always tells us about it.

I can still remember the excitement in the air when I attended his show in GT.  I was on my first real date.  He was one of my favorites.  RIP.

So what was it  before the real date

Laaga Chunire Meh Gaah Kaise Paho Kaise Laga Chunire  may god bless his soul.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/uD5Pe4k3myI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The way how them Indian man does protect them daughters,  was see but don't touch!  I used to ride about 5 miles from Port Mourant to Lancaster Village to see my beloved.  If ah see the window blind move ah know she see me and me belly was full fuh de whole week.

Sweetbai Errol, the wind moved the blind.   

Is what you believe that matters.

A very accomplished artiste. May his soul rest in peace.

May Parmatma grant him moksha.

Here is one of my faves.

Errol, this is one of the items he performed when he came to Guyana.

Mitwah---what year was he in Guyana ?

A friend of mine brought Manna Dey and his group to New York about 15 years ago---they performed at the Queens Theater in the park---it was an enjoyable evening.

May his soul enjoy its new home!

Rev

Rev, I think it was in the 60's.

I am going to render this one tonight at a wake. The last verse is very apt, since it's young father who succumb to MS.

Thanks for the info Mitts.

By the way, you were too young to have gone to that Manna Dey concert in Guyana, right ?

 Rev

PS. chami posted that lovely "Tujhe Suraj"song in gilbakka's dukebox thread

The last verse:

Mere baad bhi is duniya me, Zindaa mera naam rahegaa,

Jo bhi tujhko dekhegaa, Meraa hi laal kahegaa,

Tere roop me mil jaayegaa, mujhko jeevan do baara

A father addresses his child:

After my death, my name shall still shine in this world. Anyone, seeing you, will call my name. I will be "born" anew in your body.